Introduction

Although one of the lesser-known national parks, Lassen Volcanic has a lot to offer. It features the world’s largest plug dome volcano and the most extensive hydrothermal area west of Yellowstone!

The scenic highway that winds through the park showcases a land marked by fire and ice. It also represents destruction and rebirth. The park's main attraction and namesake is Lassen Peak. Its eruptions in the early 20th century helped cement its destiny as a national park.

On Shaka Guide's Lassen Volcanic National Park Tour, we’ll guide you through this gem of the Cascades. We'll wander through forest groves and mountain meadows.

We’ll explore Lassen's unique volcanic and hydrothermal landscape and marvel at spectacular waterfalls and pristine alpine lakes. One of the park’s most stunning natural wonders is Lake Helen. 

What makes Lake Helen in Lassen Volcanic National Park so special?

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Like a picture-perfect postcard, Lake Helen sits nestled at the base of Lassen Peak. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the snowcapped peak with a near-perfect mirror image.

The lake’s sapphire color and spectacular alpine setting make it one of the most dramatic views in the park. 

Glaciers carved out the 100-foot-deep basin that, over time, filled with snowmelt. This process formed the stunning alpine lake we see today.

Because it sits over 8,000 feet above sea level, Lake Helen remains frozen and covered with snow most of the year. It retains snow and ice well into the summer.

They named the lake after Helen Tanner Brodt. She was the first white woman to climb to the summit of Lassen Peak in 1864.

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Where is Lake Helen and how to get there?

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Lake Helen sits directly south of Lassen Peak. It can be reached easily by car from the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway (Highway 89).

There is a small parking area at the Lake Helen Picnic Area as well as a few pullouts along the road.

The lake is between the Bumpass Hell Trailhead and the Lassen Peak Trailhead.

What activities can visitors enjoy around Lake Helen?

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Besides soaking in the breathtaking views, you can enjoy a lakeside lunch at one of the nearby picnic tables. You can also take a dip in the lake’s crystal-blue waters.

Swimming is allowed on the southern shore, but be warned that the water is extremely cold all year round! 

Please be mindful that this is a fragile alpine environment, so stay on designated paths and avoid stepping on plants.

Trampling feet easily kill the beautiful lupine flowers you see along the shore. To help preserve the pristine waters, the park does not allow flotation devices in the lake.

Note: There are vault toilets available but no drinking water. You cannot bring pets on the trail or into the water.

Lake Helen isn’t the only attraction in this neck of the woods. Just up the road from the lake is the trailhead for the popular hike to the summit of Lassen Peak.

And just down the road is the trailhead to the park’s largest hydrothermal area–Bumpass Hell.

Emerald Lake, another alpine beauty known for its striking green color, is just a few minutes away by car.  

Explore Lake Helen with Shaka Guide

Are you ready to explore this beautiful sapphire gem? Let Shaka Guide lead the way! We’ve done all the work, so all you have to do is enjoy the drive.

Providing turn-by-turn directions, our guided tour takes you to the best places in Lassen Volcanic National Park–and Lake Helen is one of them!

With 16 potential stops and nearly 40 points of narration, this audio tour is packed with helpful information, fascinating stories, and moving music that will make this spectacular landscape come alive. 

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Lassen Volcanic National Park Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Lassen Volcanic National Park Itinerary and Know Before You Go article.

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Things To Do at Lassen Volcanic National Park